peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,838 
|
Post by peppermintpatty on Apr 5, 2021 12:25:24 GMT
We were supposed to go Europe last summer but we all know how that worked out. We changed gears and decided to go to Japan in May of 2022 but as a backup plan (in case things are still a problem with international travel) we are going to at least have plan to go to Hawaii. I am sure that domestic travel won't be an issue and I have over $5K in United vouchers that I have to use by April of 2022.
I have no idea what to do or where to go. I need ideas, any and all.
TIA
ETA if it helps, we would spend 2 weeks there.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sharon on Apr 5, 2021 12:32:24 GMT
We've been twice and visited 4 of the islands. Kauai is very laid back. When we were there, there was only 1 stop light on the island. Hawaii (the big island) has the National Volcano Park. Oahu has the most to see and do (in my opinion). You don't want to miss Pearl Harbor. You can climb Diamond Head. The Dole Plantation is also there. On our second trip, we went to Maui. There's more to do there than Kauai but not as much as on Oahu. We rode a steam train in Maui. We got to watch the engine turnaround. We went in January so we also go to go whale watching. That was great!
|
|
The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,920
|
Post by The Great Carpezio on Apr 5, 2021 12:36:11 GMT
I’ve only been to Maui. We loved it and have been looking at going back to another island. I think Maui is a great place for first timers; it has great beaches, rainforests, mountains, plantations/farms, great food, popular and busy places along with more remote locations. The island is small enough that you can stay in one location and experience it all.
We rented a car, and I’d recommend that for exploring.
I’d highly recommend the book Maui Revealed as a resource.
ETA: you can also easily get to Lanai and Molokai from Maui (during non pandemic times).
We took a catamaran to Lanai. Had a great day.
|
|
|
|
Post by bbkeef on Apr 5, 2021 13:02:44 GMT
I've been to Oahu, Maui and Kauai a couple times now. I love them all. But we spent less time on Oahu the last time we went. We prefer the more laid back less busy pace of Maui and Kauai. If you were spending 10 days in Hawaii, I would say do 4 days on Oahu and the rest on another island. Oahu must see: Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, snorkel at Hanauma Bay and take a private tour of the island through: EscapewaikikitoursMaui-snorkel anywhere, the Road to Hana, whale watching cruise Kauai-coffee plantation, snorkel at Poipu beach (there are seals and sea turtles on the beach there), take a cruise of the Napali coast, helicopter ride |
|
casii
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,461
|
Post by casii on Apr 5, 2021 13:11:30 GMT
Another who will recommend all of the Hawaii Revealed books.
I've not been to Kauai so that's on my bucket list. Where I have been have all been great in different ways.
Oahu for Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, North Shore, some city touristy fun. All the island close down pretty early, but this one does have some night life.
Maui has Haleakala, the Road to Hana, even the crazy road around the Northwest side of the island was a fun adventure, good food, lots to do.
The Big Island is what most people will say is most authentically old style Hawaiian. There's Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea for sunset, Parker Ranch, Waipo Valley (that one kinda scares me), Kona which for some reason we always plan our trip at the same time as the Ironman race, so we always volunteer or cheer for that, but it's wild to be on planes full of these wiry athletes and feel like a fish out of water. LOL
All that I've been too have magical beaches, great snorkeling, fun tide pools to explore, SO MUCH to do and I cry every time we fly home because it feels like home. If it weren't so expensive to live there and I wasn't worried about medical care, we'd retire there.
|
|
luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,685
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
|
Post by luckyjune on Apr 5, 2021 14:41:53 GMT
We usually go to Hawaii once a year, around Christmas time. We've been to Oahu and the Big Island. When on Oahu, we stay at Aulani, the Disney property, and love it. We take trips to the the North Shore and sometimes to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. When the kids traveled with us, we went to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor and the giant swap meet (souvenir-fest) at the stadium. For the most part, we stay at the resort and hang out by the pool.
The Big Island is a bit of a blur. This was our "Having-Kids-Won't-Slow-US-Down!" trip, where we were traveling with two year old twins and a four month old. Not sure what we were thinking and it's all a bit of a blur. We stayed in Kona and did see a lot of the island. Voclcano National Park sticks out in my mind. (Thurston Lava Tubes was pretty cool!) We did limited beach time and spent a lot of time in parks. It's a beautiful island.
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 5, 2021 15:32:29 GMT
I’ve been there three times, the last time was 2005 so it’s been a while and my memory is sketchy. Oahu is very touristy, it was our least favorite of the islands we have been to, but Pearl Harbor is a must do IMO. The first time we went there it was so moving and somber. Maui is more laid back but still has a lot to do and see. We really enjoyed Haleakala (went twice) and the Road to Hana. DH did a sunrise bike tour down the mountain that he really enjoyed (I really enjoyed NOT getting up at 3:00 am to do that one, LOL). Kawaii was very beautiful and peaceful, great for relaxing. We snorkeled on multiple islands and the beaches overall are amazing no matter where you go. I’d love to be able to go back someday, if I do I hope we can stay at Aulani because IMO Disney really knows how to treat their guests right no matter where it is.
ETA: When we went in 2005 we stayed at the Westin right on Ka’anapali beach and it was pretty spectacular.
|
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Apr 5, 2021 15:47:33 GMT
I've only been to Honolulu and wasn't super impressed as a vacation spot. It felt more like a big city w/a beach attached. I think in the future I would want to go to another island. Though I really want to go back to Panama and Costa Rica.
|
|
basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,615
Member is Online
|
Post by basketdiva on Apr 5, 2021 16:59:55 GMT
We've been to Oahu,Maui and the Big Island several times. Enjoy them all. We have done the road to Hana three times- once we had a rental car and then twice with a tour. This one is the best! link Beautiful 12 passenger buses, great drivers,and lots of stops. Yes you can drive the road yourself but the driver doesn't get to enjoy much of the beautiful scenery. Big Island- Evening at Kahua Ranch- was a great experience ( if you have a car, drive yourself instead of the pick option) Great food, and wonderful views. Lots of fun. |
|
Gennifer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,991
|
Post by Gennifer on Apr 5, 2021 17:03:13 GMT
I’ve been to Kauai twice. (Definitely way more than one stoplight, though!)
Traveling right now to Hawaii... isn’t awesome, but we went when they very first opened up last fall. We had to have negative covid tests, but you could only get them at certain places... like there were only four locations in my state. It was also a race to schedule appointments before they filled, and you have a very tight timeline...it had to be within 72 hours of when our last flight left the mainland, which made it difficult for the rest of the travel plans.(There were quite a few people on our flights that hadn’t received their test results before we took off.) Also, the airlines were juggling flights around, and while we originally had a decent layover window, it didn’t stay that way. We ended up with 17 minutes to deplane at LAX, grab our carryon luggage (which they made us gate check), run to a different terminal, and board. It was not fun.
Other members of my family went a couple of months ago, and they had an even harder time getting the covid appointments. One of my sisters had to travel out of state for hers, and my nephew got a false positive in my state. He then took another test, which was negative, but not accepted by Hawaii, and couldn’t get another appointment at one of the approved sites, so he ended up driving 3 hours to another state for his third (negative) test before driving back to his home in California, where his flight was.
I have no idea what the process is like now that vaccinations are happening, and what requirements they have. When we went, our flights were under $350 round trip, so, unless you’re taking a large group, I’m not sure you’ll use up your vouchers. I can’t imagine that the airlines won’t work with you, though.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmpeter on Apr 5, 2021 17:04:26 GMT
We go every other year. It has almost always been Oahu as my sister was living there. And it’s good with our teens as there was always plenty for them to walk to on their own if they wanted. We stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village because we are members of their vacation club. It gets us a two bedroom suite with kitchen and living room. We hit up the grocery store and plan for about half our meals in room.
We have also done the Big Island. Loved the different pace. But to get to a beach you can walk into the ocean from we had to drive. It was more isolating for our teens (now 20 and 25.) Now that our oldest is old enough to drive the rental car, we are looking at going back.
We haven’t done the other islands yet. With the vacation club and air miles from work trips...staying at a HGVC property basically makes it a free stay (minus resort fees and activities). They are building a property on Maui though...so it’s next on our list.
|
|
peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,838
|
Post by peppermintpatty on Apr 5, 2021 17:07:09 GMT
I’ve been to Kauai twice. (Definitely way more than one stoplight, though!) Traveling right now to Hawaii... isn’t awesome, but we went when they very first opened up last fall. We had to have negative covid tests, but you could only get them at certain places... like there were only four locations in my state. It was also a race to schedule appointments before they filled, and you have a very tight timeline...it had to be within 72 hours of when our last flight left the mainland, which made it difficult for the rest of the travel plans.(There were quite a few people on our flights that hadn’t received their test results before we took off.) Also, the airlines were juggling flights around, and while we originally had a decent layover window, it didn’t stay that way. We ended up with 17 minutes to deplane at LAX, grab our carryon luggage (which they made us gate check), run to a different terminal, and board. It was not fun. Other members of my family went a couple of months ago, and they had an even harder time getting the covid appointments. One of my sisters had to travel out of state for hers, and my nephew got a false positive in my state. He then took another test, which was negative, but not accepted by Hawaii, and couldn’t get another appointment at one of the approved sites, so he ended up driving 3 hours to another state for his third (negative) test before driving back to his home in California, where his flight was. I have no idea what the process is like now that vaccinations are happening, and what requirements they have. When we went, our flights were under $350 round trip, so, unless you’re taking a large group, I’m not sure you’ll use up your vouchers. I can’t imagine that the airlines won’t work with you, though. I said in my post that this isn't until Summer of 2022. |
|
Gennifer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,991
|
Post by Gennifer on Apr 5, 2021 17:10:04 GMT
I said in my post that this isn't until Summer of 2022. Yes, I read that. I just don’t think things will be back to pre-pandemic, book-a-flight-and-it’s-that-easy status. I thought my experience of traveling to Hawaii recently would be helpful information, but if you don’t think it is, great. ✌🏻 |
|
|
|
Post by lisae on Apr 5, 2021 17:16:24 GMT
I've been to Maui, Oahu (really just Honolulu), the Big Island and Kauai.
Maui and the Big Island are my favorites - the latter if I could only do one because there is a lot of varied terrain there. We love gardens and we went to a garden on the Hilo side of the Big Island that was just lovely. There is also a good garden to tour on the north part of Kauai. I was disappointed in Kauai because to really see the prettiest part you have to travel by boat (I get seasick on anything) or take long hikes. It was nice but we just spent too much time there - about 4 days. I'm used to east coast beaches and there was no beach where you could really walk.
I hope you get to travel internationally. With that kind of money to use up, it would be a shame to miss Japan or Europe.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmpeter on Apr 5, 2021 17:23:03 GMT
For activites...we've done a lot. Some of our favorites:
Rent snorkel equipment from Snorkel Bob's the day we arrive and hit up any beach we want during out trip.
Hanauma Bay - arrive early
Pearl Harbor - book early
Night Time paddle boarding
Parasailing
Swim with the dolphins (in the ocean, not the tank/pool deal)
Kualoa Ranch - rent an ATV
Horseback riding (Big Island)
Spa day (Laka spa...hole in the wall from the outside, so nice inside!)
Luau (Paradise Cove)
North Shore and stop at one of the shrimp trucks for lunch
Last time we googled and found a list of best unknown beaches. One day we drove to 7 of them on the east side of the island and the next 7 on the west side. We stopped in little towns and just sort of explored.
We've done a really cool tour thru the hotel where we ended up at a local farm and had a tour and meal
We've driven out to Aulani had done a character meal...wouldn't want to stay there with my older teens, it's sort of out of the way.
Rent loungers and umbrellas and had cabana boys bring us lunch and drinks on the beach
Sunset sail
Fireworks on Fridays at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (great combo with night time paddle boarding as you can sit and watch from your board
Diamond Head and Makapuu Lighthouse hikes
Finding great restaurants. Love to book a dinner reservation with a view of the beach/sunset (the Azure at the Royal Hawaiian is a favorites for this)
Pool day with mai tais
Dinner in our room and then a walk for ice cream
Favorite hole in the walk (Steak Shack) on the beach for lunch or dinner
Drinks along the beach at the Hale KOA (it's the military resort and they have the BEST beach side dining/drinks location)
I'm sure there is more...those are some of the things we generally repeat.
|
|
|
|
Post by kristalina on Apr 5, 2021 17:42:29 GMT
HI!! My dad grew up on Oahu, and I have family on Oahu and the big island. Kauai is my favorite, when I visited at age 20, I cashed in my return ticket and stayed 3 years. I'd definitely do two islands. Most people go to Oahu but unless you're a real history buff and need to see the Pearl Harbor memorial, I'd skip it. It's a bit busy, crowded for me. I'd suggest the big island for the Volcano and Waipio Valley, and Kauai or Maui for the pure bliss. I'm partial to Kauai. If you are there in the summer, Hanalei Bay is spectacular (to stay), in the winter when it's storming, the south shore is less rainy, still sunny - Poipu is amazing. On Kauai, we stay at the "Mermaid House" it will come up on a google search or on Trip advisor. 3 Bedroom house at the beach in Haena for $230/night. local style house, not touristy like Princeville would be. Kauai, you absolutely need to go on a boat/snorkel trip on the Na Pali Coast (or helicopter if it's in your budget) It's one of the most scenic places on the planet. Also, Waimea Canyon (grand canyon of the pacific) is amazing, as well as Kokee Park, the end of the road (north) Kee Beach. You'll need reservations through the park service for parking at Haena Beach park to get to Kee, Wailua River, Anini Beach...... the list goes on.. If you go, hire me as a guide, I'll be happy to show you the spots!  I don't know a lot about Maui. When I was there, my favorite day was when we drove up to the Haleakala Crater for sunrise, then drive the long and winding road to Hana. |
|
|
|
Post by marysue63 on Apr 5, 2021 17:46:41 GMT
I've been to Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. My BIL owns a condo on Maui so I've been there the most. We had plans to go this February but cancelled in December when it wasn't clear what it would be like to fly over there. We changed out reservations to October. We will spend a week on Kauai and a week in Maui.
My very, very favorite island is Kauai. It's just what I picture when I think about Hawaii. It's warm, tropical, beautiful, and friendly. I never felt like I was in a rush, it's just so laid back there. I never felt obligated to go anywhere except the beach. For me it's the most perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
I love Maui too but for different reasons. The condo we stay at it close enough to walk to most places so I like it for that reason. It's easy to get to good food. It's also, to me, the best place to shop if that's what you want to do. Lahaina has some great shops and galleries that I really enjoy. I also like going to Paia for the relaxed hippy vibe. I've done the road to Hana, don't need to do it again. There are a lot of places to stop at along the way but every place we wanted to stop the parking is SO limited that it would be full and we couldn't stop. The one place we did stop and enjoy was the beach with the black sand. I can't remember the name but it was really cool.
Oahu was fine too but for different reasons. It was those places that everybody tells you to go to when you go to Hawaii - Pearl Harbor, Hanama (sp) Bay for snorkeling, North Shore. And those places are fine and great, but like the road to Hana, once you've done it I don't know if you need to do it again. Our best day on Oahu was when we rented a convertible and drove around the island. That was fun and we got to see some pretty beaches.
In reality I don't think you can go wrong anywhere in Hawaii, it all just depends on what you are looking for. Enjoy!
|
|
schroema
Full Member
Posts: 496
Jun 24, 2019 14:58:49 GMT
|
Post by schroema on Apr 5, 2021 20:17:08 GMT
We are hoping to make up our 2020 cancelled trip sometime. Can I ask if anyone has tried surf lesson? I’m kinda interested but definitely not super athletic.
|
|
|
|
Post by voltagain on Apr 5, 2021 20:45:44 GMT
I lived on Oahu for 10 years. It was NOT long enough! Honolulu is a big city no doubt about it. But it has a rich history with some wonderful museums. I love the Iolani palace and the Bishop museum. Figure out what you want from your vacation; busy? relaxed? shopping? and find the island that suits you best.
|
|
|
|
Post by iteach3rdgrade on Apr 6, 2021 2:52:47 GMT
We love Oahu since there's so much to do. I think we've done all of the main tours. We've been to the Big Island once and we did an island tour which was neat, but I wasn't impressed with what I saw other than that. We did enjoy 4-wheeling. We've toured Maui, Road to Hana. We've done the island tour on Kauai and it was amazing.
I think we are canceling our trip to Oahu/Kauai this summer, definitely Kauai due to traveling being a pain with testing I'm sure. I traded our trip for a new SUV. Sigh. I could go to Oahu every summer and be one happy girl! We explore more each time we go and revisit what we love.
|
|
|
|
Post by sbartist on Apr 6, 2021 4:38:10 GMT
We are hoping to make up our 2020 cancelled trip sometime. Can I ask if anyone has tried surf lesson? I’m kinda interested but definitely not super athletic. You might also think about SUP (Stand Up Paddling) lessons, I enjoyed that more than surf lessons. Kayaking to the Mokes is always fun. Booze cruise - book at least a couple weeks before or you may not be able to. Right now there are no Friday night fireworks from the Hilton and there haven't been for this past year. We can see them from our lanai. Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) - honestly, I don't recommend going there, it can consume an entire day or more. They do have a new shopping area outside of PCC, have not been there. Haleiwa - a touristy town recently hit with a lot of flooding that they are trying to recuperate from. Traffic can be a nightmare. Hale Koa upgraded their family pool which also has an infinity section for adults only, a kids water play area, and slide for all. Renting 2 chaise lounge with an umbrella will run you about $50 (this price went up after they opened up from being closed due to the pandemic (prior tenant moved out and the company that monopolizes this beach rental service took over). On Good Friday I went for a walk from our place and walked through Waikiki and 'life' seems to be coming back at the beach. Noticing more people downtown during the work week (downtown is Chinatown). Don't recommend going deeper into Chinatown (where the merchants are hawking stuff), I have my limits on how far I will walk from the office. Definitely not at night either unless I am with someone and maybe going to a restaurant/bar. I have lived on Oahu since 2012 - I am about one mile mauka (towards the mountain) from Waikiki. Been to Maui three times - we enjoy it, have not done the Road to Hana and have no desire to, Paia was a fun little hippie town like mentioned above, again touristy and trying to find a place to park may not be easy. We took a right turn instead of a left (we would be backtracking) after visiting the Plantation golf course at the end of a point. Never again, if it is anything like the Road to Hana forget it. I was so stressed and I was not even driving, thank goodness. Haleakala for Ziplining was fun and would do that again in a heartbeat. Big Island twice - 1st Hilo side very relaxing, went to Volcano National Park, Lava Tree Park, etc.; 2nd Kona (preferred) side - seemed like there was more to do. Village Burger has the best burgers and fries at Parker Ranch. We did lots of driving, but its not like driving in rush hour since most of it is along the coast. |
|
|
|
Post by librarylady on Apr 6, 2021 4:56:05 GMT
Verify the details of the voucher/credits.
Sisters and I have made plans to visit Maui in June. We were inspired because 1 sister has air travel points to use. She found out her points can only be used for international flights. Then she learned her hotel points can only be used in the lower 48, so her discount vacation won't be discounted after all.
|
|
|
|
Post by lesserknownpea on Apr 6, 2021 7:47:30 GMT
While the Big Island is my favorite place, Kaua’i is a close second. Those gorgeous, uncrowded beaches! And so laid back.
But the Big Island has the most Aloha. Sure, you have to work harder to find the good beaches, but it’s so worth it. And the volcano is so fascinating,( although my relatives there are so tired of the vog, and if you have respiratory issues think twice). There is just so much to explore on Hawaii. I haven’t been in three years and I miss it so much.
|
|
|
|
Post by manda on Apr 6, 2021 8:24:00 GMT
I said in my post that this isn't until Summer of 2022. Yes, I read that. I just don’t think things will be back to pre-pandemic, book-a-flight-and-it’s-that-easy status. I thought my experience of traveling to Hawaii recently would be helpful information, but if you don’t think it is, great. ✌🏻 I would bet money that Hawaii will have more precautions to travel to in 2022 than many international locations. We own a home on one island and a plot of land on another. We travel there often and Gennifer is spot on. Please, before traveling to Hawaii, do some reading and research that isn’t directed at tourists for travel only. That said, my favorite islands are the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai. But I will advise the locals don’t accept mainlanders the same way as on Oahu or Maui. Especially in certain areas. And many are vocally opposing travel during this pandemic because their resources are limited. My fiancé (our wedding was postponed twice due to the pandemic), has his father’s side of the family from Hawaii so my perspective is unique. |
|
peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,838
|
Post by peppermintpatty on Apr 6, 2021 12:15:20 GMT
Verify the details of the voucher/credits. Sisters and I have made plans to visit Maui in June. We were inspired because 1 sister has air travel points to use. She found out her points can only be used for international flights. Then she learned her hotel points can only be used in the lower 48, so her discount vacation won't be discounted after all. It can be used for any travel, domestic or international. We just can't book with one of United's partner airlines. It has to be United. We had upgraded seats which is why we have so much. They did just change their policy which means that if we have unused money in the voucher, they will issue another voucher, we don't lose it. |
|
peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,838
|
Post by peppermintpatty on Apr 6, 2021 12:16:19 GMT
Yes, I read that. I just don’t think things will be back to pre-pandemic, book-a-flight-and-it’s-that-easy status. I thought my experience of traveling to Hawaii recently would be helpful information, but if you don’t think it is, great. ✌🏻 I would bet money that Hawaii will have more precautions to travel to in 2022 than many international locations. We own a home on one island and a plot of land on another. We travel there often and Gennifer is spot on. Please, before traveling to Hawaii, do some reading and research that isn’t directed at tourists for travel only. That said, my favorite islands are the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai. But I will advise the locals don’t accept mainlanders the same way as on Oahu or Maui. Especially in certain areas. And many are vocally opposing travel during this pandemic because their resources are limited. My fiancé (our wedding was postponed twice due to the pandemic), has his father’s side of the family from Hawaii so my perspective is unique. That may be so but if we are all vaccinated, we shouldn't have any issues. |
|
|
|
Post by smasonnc on Apr 6, 2021 12:18:57 GMT
We've been to Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. Kauai was my favorite. The Napali Coast is amazing. We went on helicopter tours in both Maui and Kauai. Maui is too commercial. It seems like Myrtle Beach, not Hawaii. There may even be a Bubba Gumps, I don't remember but it would fit. Oahu is nice, very built up, but I enjoyed spending a few days there. My husband lived on Kauai as a kid and loved it, but I wanted to go to Maui. I don't say this often, but he was right; I was wrong. Kauai is much more natural and beautiful.
|
|
